The Australian bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated the MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to copy this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that states internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
